CANDIDATES FORUM, March 19
By:
Frank Strasburger
Princeton Borough candidate,
Princeton Regional Board of Education
As my first term on the Princeton Regional Board of Education draws to a close, I want to express my thanks to borough voters for letting me represent them these last three years. A lot has happened in that time, and it has been exciting to be so deeply involved in the progress we’ve made.
Three years ago, the teacher contract was a year overdue; the reserve fund was dangerously close to zero; administrators were departing as quickly as they were arriving; our plant was being held together with Scotch tape; and all levels of the system were undermined by poor morale. Worst of all, we had had revolving superintendents for the better part of a decade, and without healthy leadership, the best of school systems cannot function effectively.
We knew our highest priority was to attract a superintendent of the highest caliber, and, without question, the turnaround we’ve witnessed these last three years is due largely to Claire Sheff Kohn’s hard work, experienced perspective and compassionate wisdom. Her mentoring not only of the superb administrative staff she has assembled but also of the board that hired her has increased our professionalism, radically improved relationships and enabled us to focus on the business we are really about: the education of Princeton’s children.
Facilities have occupied much of our attention, of course, and I was honored to lead the Facilities Committee from the initial planning stages to the unprecedented passage of an $82 million bond issue. Bricks and mortar are not the most important elements in an education, to be sure; but when they’re falling apart, everyone suffers. I’m proud of my neighbors in Princeton for the efficiency with which, together, we moved in just two years from concept to action to enable the Princeton Regional Schools to remain at the forefront of American education. Gratifying, as well, has been the eagerness and generosity with which Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary have helped us, both financially and logistically, and it has been exciting to be personally involved in negotiations with those and other institutions.
Of course, the job isn’t finished. Not only do we now have to build the new facilities we’ve planned; we need, too, to take advantage of the momentum we’ve developed to concentrate on what happens in those facilities. As a former educator myself, that’s what I care most about. I care about the breadth and depth of our curriculum. I care about the support and development of our faculty. I care about the ability of every student to be taught according to the way in which each learns. And I care most about our capacity to draw the very best from all of our children.
That’s why I’m running for a second term. This district deserves the stability of an experienced board, and I’m eager to continue to serve in areas in which I believe I have something to give. But regardless of whom you support, please vote on April 16.
Linda Geevers
West Windsor candidate,
West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education
With the encouragement of many West Windsor residents, I have decided to seek re-election for a position on the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education.
Hundreds of additional students arrive at our doorsteps each year; therefore, the issue of dealing effectively with continual growth remains paramount. In the past, our district utilized strategic planning in my opinion, very successfully. It resulted in several key groups being formed such as the 2001 Committee, the 2005 Committee, middle and high school transition committees and other initiatives. Stakeholders included parents, students, staff members, town officials and community members with an interest or expertise in the relevant areas. These community committees studied issues and produced reports that aided the board in decision-making.
As board vice president and Administration Committee chair, I kept the pressure on the board and the administration last fall to give new consideration to reinstating the idea of strategic planning. In fact, the Administration Committee will give a presentation on strategic planning to the board in the spring. The importance of re-establishing community input and involvement into the planning process cannot be overemphasized.
I also believe it is essential that the people most affected by a decision should be involved in the development of that decision. This allows consensus building to begin at a much earlier level, which enhances the probability of community support for decisions.
Besides leading the way to strategic planning, I will also continue to be a voice for responsible fiscal planning and budgeting. We need to continue to provide our students with a first-rate education while doing it in the most efficient and economical way possible. Currently, the board’s Finance Committee is reviewing requests for proposal to evaluate the district’s business office operations as we begin our search for a permanent assistant superintendent for finances and support services. The scope of this management assessment of the district’s business department may include human resources, payroll, purchasing, transportation and building and grounds.
In addition to being a school board member, I am an active member of the Dutch Neck and Upper Elementary School PTAs and a member of Rep. Rush Holt’s Education Advisory Committee. My husband, Neil, and I have three daughters Kristen is a fourth-grader at the UES, Jessica is a kindergartner at Dutch Neck and 4-year-old Ashley attends Beth Chaim preschool. We have both been involved as coaches through the WW-P recreation leagues. For the past two years, I have coached in the WW-P Basketball Association’s Instructional League and Eagle League for girls. It is a joy to see the progress in each girl’s skill level and to see how self-confidence develops. The concepts of teamwork and striving to do better will aid them well as they grow to become productive members of society.
These concepts teamwork and striving to improve can also be applied to the board. Together, we can work to ensure that all children are challenged to the best of their abilities. With your continued support and input, I hope to serve you during a second term of office.